Page 16 of A Bride for the Devilish Duke

“I do not like the idea of leaving you locked away here, Harold,” Damien murmured, holding out his flat palms inches from the hearth.

Harry sighed. “A necessary evil. I do not wish the burden of the Dukedom. Its weight would break me. But if the world believes me to be alive, I will be forced to take on the Dukedom, or see the children of that villain Baron Hellesden challenge for it.”

“Ourfatherwas the villain,” Damien reminded.

“The Fitzgerald brothers were equal in villainy, though the world did not know it. We both bear the scars of our father's villainy. And our legacy bears the hallmarks of his obsession with only the strongest heir being allowed to inherit,” Harry said wearily, before waving a cavalier hand. “This is a conversation that has been had. I do not want to go over it every time I see you, little brother. It is corroding.”

Damien nodded somberly. “Sometimes it is harder not to tread past paths.”

He looked at his older brother, the rightful heir to Redmane. He was a shadow of the youth Damien remembered as a child. His face was haggard, and Damien knew that he couldn't stir far from the chair in which he sat—not unaided.

“I reside in this tower of shame because the world cannot yet know the truth. Be strong, brother. We have planned for this. I take it from your demeanor the ball progressed smoothly and you have spoken with the lady concerned?”

“I have. It does not sit well with me,” Damien muttered.

“She will gain a husband of stature and wealth. Her family will gain by association with ours. And we will secure our future.”

Damien sighed. “Yes, yes, I know all of that. It is just not how I believe a gentleman should behave.”

Harry raised a trembling hand to his gaunt cheek. Damien saw how exhausted he looked and regretted his comment.

“Another necessary evil,” Harry mumbled, “but you can end this plan now. Go down to the Montrose family and tell them you were angry and did not mean it. The scandal will brew, as they intended; it will poison our reputation, and the sons of our uncle will be waiting to claim what they believe is their birthright.”

Damien stared into the fire pensively, hands clasped behind his back now. “There is no other way?” he asked.

“Of course. You may seek another wife. You are a Duke, and many families will wish to ally themselves with you. But what is your plan? How will a search for a wife to comply with the terms of our father's will interfere with those plans?”

Damien turned suddenly, glaring.

“Nothing must interfere with that,” he said firmly.

“Then we must proceed with the plan we agreed on. Emmelline Montrose will become your wife and accept the marriage terms. Because she must do so if she wishes to avoid scandal for her family. That will prevent our cousins from claiming our birthright and leave you free to carry out your revenge.”

CHAPTER SIX

“He cannot mean it, surely!” Elsie said as she helped Emma to dress.

“I keep saying the same things to myself, Elsie,” Emma groused, “it has been... what? Three days since the Redmane Ball?”

“Four,” Elsie corrected.

“And I have heard not a single word from him! Not a letter or even a note. He casually announces that he will be asking Papa for my hand in marriage, and then... nothing,”

“An angry man is wont to lash out,” Elsie noted sagely, “they are very like children in that regard. Think no more of it. Likely, he has moved on from his anger at the rumors we started.”

“I wish I could be so sanguine,” Emma sighed, “but you were not there, Elsie. He seemed utterly adamant. So stubborn.”

She shivered as she checked her appearance in a full-length dress mirror.

Adequate for the business of the day.

Looking around, she saw that Elsie was watching her curiously.

“So masterful, eh?” The maid began with the beginnings of a wicked smile.

“Whatever do you mean?” Emma asked.

“He is handsome, if your preference is for men carved from stone.”